Every self-respecting capital city has an authentic Parisian café to show for itself. Café de Paris, the Holy City's take on the classic concept, recently opened in Jerusalem, centrally located adjacent to Paris Square in an area that is alive with students, business people and tourists.

Every self-respecting capital city has an authentic Parisian café to show for itself. Café de Paris, the Holy City's take on the classic concept, recently opened in Jerusalem, centrally located adjacent to Paris Square in an area that is alive with students, business people and tourists.

Some of the city's highest profile landmarks, such as the Prime Minister's residence, young and lively Azza Street, and the historic, beautiful Rehavia neighborhood, are within walking distance from the café, whose design fittingly conveys refined, European prestige and is perfectly suited to the location. In addition to the main indoor seating space and the bar, there is a private, closed off room for smokers inside, which can also be outfitted with a long table for private events of up to twelve people, and outdoor terrace seating which is great for diners who wish to take in the local Jerusalem landscape. An eclectic crowd frequents the restaurant, from young Jerusalemite student types to local residents to business people, visiting tourists, and generally, anyone who appreciates good food with style.

Head chef Udi Epstein's work is guided by a clear culinary concept: an emphasis on tasty country style dishes with surprising twists, as well as unique, always changing specials. Chef Dani Aviv, who presides over the café's kitchen, didn't start out as a chef: he began his career as a successful wedding dress designer, but eventually left that path to follow through on his first love, food. He began volunteering as a chef's assistant in various restaurant kitchens, and his knack for the trade led him to take it on as a full time job. His artistic side is apparent in the flair for design which he brings to the preparation and presentation of the dishes served.

Café de Paris' breakfast, served all day, and the spacious, inviting bar are two of the venue's main draws. Don't miss the café's signature breakfast, "Parisian Breakfast," which might very well give you the feeling that you're sitting at the heart of the Champs-Élysées: traditional French cheeses such as camembert and Sainte Maure goat's cheese and the pickled lemon, capers, pearl onions and boiled egg, accompanied by a fresh, hot classic French baguette. For a more local taste try the Rehavia breakfast, which surprises with a mix of hard and soft cheeses, caramelized pears, pickled lemon spread and more.

The menu also offers a variety of sandwiches, toasts, salads, fish and pasta. The "Paris salad," a fresh and refreshing salad with scrumptious slices of seared tuna and the cafe's take on the classic Fish and Chips are among the highly recommended offerings. Unique specials include dishes such as herbed fish kebabs and herbed and spicy falafel in tahini and olive oil. The bar is already open and full on a nightly basis, but stay tuned for the new bar menu which will be added in the coming days. End off on a sweet note with a tempting dessert from the display case, all of which come straight from big sister café "Grand Café," including colorful macarons, caramelized fruit tarts and other delicacies.

No time to sit? Bring a bite of Paris home with the restaurant's take away option, or impress guests with Café Paris' catering for private events. On Fridays, the café sells Shabbat treats such as French baguettes, wines, and Challah.

Whether you're looking for a fun, new and tasty spot for breakfast with a friend, a place to treat colleagues for an important business meeting, a lunch date with your significant other, or Saturday night drinks at the bar, Café Paris is the place to be.